Two things have always bothered me about this series, based on the popular kids' books by Jeff Kinney. First, the half-assed filmmaking; like the others, this third installment by David Bowers feels like third-tier TV. And second, Greg (Zachary Gordon), the wimp of the title, isn't so much a wimp as a self-centered, manipulative little shit. Here he wants to spend the summer vacation "dog days" playing video games and pining after a cute girl from school (Peyton List). In retrospect, that might have been more entertaining than what actually happens: he lies about his job, sneaks into the country club, and does some time in a scout camp. Even less funny are the odd segues — like a locker-room shower scene that makes hardcore prison films look Disneyesque. Maybe the Kid is going through a rough adolescent patch — but he was no great shakes to begin with.

HOLLYWOOD, RI-STYLE | July 30, 2014 The 2014 edition will premiere more than 240 films (features, shorts and documentaries) from 62 countries and 34 US states.

GLOBAL CINEMA, LOCAL FLAVOR | August 08, 2013 The 17th annual incarnation of the Rhode Island International Film Festival begins its weeklong run on August 6. The festival, which boasts more than 200 films from 65 countries, is a celebration of the cinematic arts with a campus feel and a focus on all things Rhode Island.

REVIEW: SAFE HAVEN | February 14, 2013 Somewhere along the way Nicholas Sparks went from being just a bestselling author of preachy schmaltz to a full-on franchise (he produces the movies of his books).